Bus Driver Appreciation Dinner put on by St. Regis Recreation

"I am Appreciated" was the theme on Thursday June 19, as the St. Regis Recreation committee hosted a Bus Driver Appreciation Dinner at the St. Regis Recreation. The main organizers were committee members Laura Thompson and Charity Brad Lazore. The dinner was open to current and retired bus drivers from Salmon River, Massena and AMBE schools. About 60 drivers attended, who were also allowed a guest, to total about 90 attendees. They were treated to a delicious traditional meal that started with a green salad and then turkey, ham, hash, stuffing, cranberries, a variety of salads, a roll, and ended with a choice of cake or pie.

Each driver got a goody bag and survival kit and they were all entered to win one of several great door prizes. Laura Thompson said, "AMBE honors their bus drivers every year. My mom works for Massena School and I thought: everyone needs to be recognized." AMBE Head of Transportation Dwayne Thomas helped Laura and Brad compile a list of retired and current bus drivers, and the Heads of Transportations of each school were contacted.

Before the dinner each Head of Transportation said a few words. AMBE Head of Transportation Dwayne Thomas talked about the importance of bus drivers, noting that they are the first person the kids see in the morning and the last thing in the afternoon. He said, "Thank you for getting our kids home safely, we appreciate you."

Salmon River Head of Transportation Norm Treptow talked about how there is no stereotypical bus driver. They range from farmers or entrepreneurs driving for extra money, to full time professionals. He said, "But you all have one thing in common, taking care of the children you are responsible for." Norm said caring about the children is the one thing that keeps people driving, and added, "You are truly appreciated every day."

Massena Head of Transportation Allen Rowledge talked about how driving bus is one of the hardest jobs at a school. He said, "You all do a tough job, it's tougher in a bus because you have 50 to 60 kids at different age levels." He thanked the drivers, and the Rec for putting the dinner on.

It was extremely well organized with a troop of volunteers forming an assembly line to fill plates. You would think it was a restaurant that's been in business for years.

The surprise of the night was that the dinner was not just a dinner, but dinner and a show. TJ Jackson performed at the dinner. He made his way through the crowd singing Elvis's favorites. "Elvis" also commended all the drivers for what they do.

There were a handful of great door prizes for the drivers. They were donated by the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, Twin Leaf, 97.3 CKON, Akwesasne Mini Mart, AMBE, AAMB, Salmon River Transportation Dept. and the St. Regis Recreation committee.

Laura Thompson ended the dinner saying, "We hope you all enjoyed your night, and we really appreciate you transporting our kids safely."